Lichenia is a nation-state as fictional as any other. Founded by MarksMara in 2024, Lichenia functions on the principle of lichenization - in which fungal and algal partners transcend their individuality to live in a completely new way. Taking place at Parcul Carol beneath the imposing Monument to the Heroes of the Struggle for Freedom and Socialism, two soldier-performers worship Lichenia’s flag (an image of Graphis scripta, or secret writing lichen) through familiar nationalist rituals - anthems, marches, parades - spectacles of nationhood. In being performed towards a symbiotic organism rather than a hierarchical system of bureaucracy, these rituals question commonplace nationalist propaganda of the body and propose a politics of lichenization, transcending divisive binaries to celebrate difference.


28.09.24, 17h00-19h00 (continuous live action, visitors may come and go within the timeframe), Parcul Carol, Bucharest

Concept, choreography: MarksMara
Commissioned by: Rokolectiv
Performers: Adam Musat & Eliza Trefas
Looks: Resi Bender
Metal work: Ion Predescu
Supported by AFCN